Object

Kumeh Maneuver

A deliberate starship tactical pattern: an almost taunting slip behind a planet that uses planetary cover and a predictable closure vector to present itself as an inviting target. The maneuver reads as a timed change in heading and apparent retreat rather than a physical object—its ‘form’ is ship trajectories, engine burn timing, and sensor signatures. Characters react to it as a visible tactic: Geordi flags the pattern as obvious, Riker interprets it as bait and issues a Talupian counter, and Worf with Ensign Nagel execute a clandestine sensor deception to exploit the feint.

1 appearances

Purpose

To bait an opponent into predictable responses by using planetary cover and a staged course change, creating an opportunity for trap, intercept, or psychological manipulation.

Significance

Functions as the enemy’s provocatory ploy and the immediate tactical fulcrum of the scene: it precipitates Riker’s improvisation, forces the crew to convert enemy psychology into advantage, and serves as a narrative turning point that reveals command style, trust in subordinates, and tactical ingenuity.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

1 moments

S2E21 · Peak Performance

Riker Converts Kumeh Bait into a Talupian Counter

The Kumeh Maneuver itself functions as a tactical 'object' — a plotted trajectory using planetary cover as bait. It is observed, named by Geordi, read by Riker as a feint, and becomes the psychological lever the crew chooses to exploit.

Before: Executed by the Enterprise (opponent) as an apparent retreat behind planetary cover, presenting itself as an inviting target.

After: Reinterpreted by the Hathaway's command as deliberate bait and thereby neutralized as a simple trap; it now serves as the stimulus for the Talupian counter and clandestine deception.

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